What Is My Food Truck Worth?

Food trucks occupy a unique space — lower investment than a restaurant, more flexibility, but also more operational challenges. Valuations reflect the portable nature of the business and the relatively low barriers to entry.

Typical Valuation Ranges

Most food trucks sell for 1x to 2x SDE — lower than brick-and-mortar restaurants because of the lower barriers to entry and asset base.

Factors that push toward the higher end:

• Recurring catering contracts with corporate clients
• Established event and festival bookings
• Strong social media presence and brand recognition
• Multiple trucks or commissary kitchen
• Revenue above $300K
• Well-maintained, newer vehicle and equipment

Factors that push toward the lower end:

• Owner cooks and drives every shift
• Revenue dependent on daily location scouting
• No catering or recurring revenue
• Aging vehicle needing mechanical work
• Permit and health inspection issues

What Buyers Are Really Buying

The truck itself has a fair market value as equipment ($30K–$100K+ depending on age, condition, and buildout). The business value above that comes from brand, permits, location relationships, catering contracts, and customer following. A food truck with 20 weekly catering clients and a waitlist for events is a very different asset than a truck parked at random corners.

How to Increase Your Food Truck's Value

1. Build catering revenue. Corporate lunch programs, office catering, and private events create predictable income.
2. Secure regular locations. Brewery partnerships, business park agreements, and recurring market spots provide consistency.
3. Maintain your truck. Current inspections, clean mechanical records, and modern equipment reduce buyer risk.
4. Document your recipes and processes. Make the food replicable without you in the kitchen.
5. Build your brand. Social media following and online reviews are the primary marketing assets for food trucks.

Browse the valuation multiples guide for industry data, or schedule a free call for a confidential valuation.